What's The Point [movement 3]

Acoustic.
Genuine.
doWns.

Three simple words describe why I do what I do. And nearly three years after I shared the first movement of this series, it finally comes to a conclusion. In this wrap-up, I will share about the third, and final, descriptor: doWns (is for you)!

So far, I have written much about myself. Makes sense; they do say write about what you know. Haha! I have spent MUCH time over the past 5 years on a journey of self-rediscovery. The privilege of writing songs and blogs about the journey has been therapeutic, to say the least. I’ve discussed music, comic books, and my journey. These are all things many of us can relate to. As I’ve mentioned previously, “I only write songs that reflect my journey.” Well, friends, we’re all on a journey…

doWns is for you! We have all experienced trials, hardships, and rainy days. We have all enjoyed peace, happiness, and sunshine. You may be walking through a dark valley as you read this, or maybe this is your mountain top. Wherever you are, you are definitely not alone. I’ve been there. Listen to my song All Is Calm; you’ll understand that I understand. In the wise words of Butt-Head, “It’s like, you gotta have stuff that sucks…so you can have stuff that’s cool.” So remember: without the valleys, we wouldn’t appreciate the mountain tops!

doWns is for you! Or even better, borrowing from a certain genetically altered raccoon’s “houseplant”: We are doWns. Whether it’s at a show, via social media, a podcast, or a phone call, it’s my desire to connect with each and every one of you. I know that I’m not the only that is going through what I am going through (or have been through), and I’m smart enough to realize that someone else is going through something I may encounter in the future. I want to learn from you. Grow with you. Overcome adversity with you. See, something amazing can happen in the valleys. If you’re willing to let life suck, and if you can muster the strength to withstand the beatings life sometimes brings, when you finally climb out of the valley to stand atop the mountain, you find yourself a better, stronger version of you. The valley is where life tempers you. Like a sword being forged; heated to malleability, and beaten into shape. That's you. That’s me. That’s doWns.

Let the music I make resonate with your journey. Feel free to share the stories from your journey. Let me write your song. Let’s make music together. Take my hand. Stand in love with me.

We…are…doWns!

Fin.

Somewhere In The Between...

OK, I realize that is has been nearly 2 years since I last posted. What can I say? Life happens! No excuses; just the facts. I was in the final stages of a long divorce (so far, the hardest thing I've ever experienced), a relationship change, getting engaged to the woman of my dreams, tracking the songs for the upcoming EP, getting married, getting into a new routine, and finally, getting refocused on the music. It has been a crazy, busy couple of years. But alas, I am here!

This post will be brief; mostly just to re-connect with those who had followed the previous 3 posts. I promise the next post will be the conclusion to the 3-part series I began 2 years ago (and somewhere in the between, re-read the old posts).

For now, we return you to your regularly scheduled program!

What's The Point? [second movement]

Acoustic.
Genuine.
doWns.

Three simple words to describe why I do what I do. This time around I will focus on the second: Genuine(ly real & fun).

First, I only write songs that reflect my journey. Is this selfish? Perhaps. However, I can assure you that approaching songwriting in this manner will always produce something genuinely real. I have spent many years attempting to be what others expected me to be. I have a bad habit of trying to please everyone, typically at my own expense. This, sadly, bled over into my songwriting. So now I focus on writing where I am, so to speak. I know I'm onto something as a fellow singer/songwriter (whom I had previously never met) informed me that the song I was just singing was “really good; I could feel the passion...” Incidentally, it was a new one titled “The Struggle (is real)” that will be featured on the upcoming EP.

Next, I love comic book stories. And not just comic book stories, but stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In the course of these stories you typically find that in the midst something amazing the characters are stripped down to the simplest version of themselves. It's when they face down their weakness that they become their strongest; their most powerful. As I stated in my previous post, “Writing acoustic-driven music has forced me to strip away my insecurity and lay myself bare...” I am now facing down my weakness. Coincidentally, I am also finding my strength, my power. When I prepare a set list, I plan it in such a way as to tell a story. It is always my hope that my audience will find some encouragement from the story I tell: my story.

Finally, I donned a pair of glasses (that I do not need) and created an alter-ego. Why? So I could hide, of course! Yet, in the course of doing this I am finding what every great hero has discovered: The ego and alter-ego are not two separate parts. Whether he puts the glasses on or not, Clark Kent will always be Superman. I can call myself J. I can call myself John. No matter what, I am me. And both parts are the same person. Nothing changes that. The musical journey co-exists with the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey. If you haven't been to a show yet, it may be time, there's a story to be heard...

D.S. al Fin (to be concluded…)

What’s The Point? [first movement]

J. Downs & T-bone Howell at M15 in Corona, CA on 04.18.14

What’s the point? Why do I do what I do? Before the first day of the rest of my life, I very intentionally selected three words to describe my current, and possibly final, solo musical adventure.

Acoustic.
Genuine.
doWns.

The slightly expanded adaptation states: Acoustic (mostly). Genuine(ly real & fun). doWns (is for you).

Those three ideas, simply put, ARE the point. In this first movement, I will address the first point: Acoustic (mostly). The decision to write acoustic-driven music stems from a few things.

First, I have always been about having a band. I have tried, especially in the last 10 years, to focus on the collaborative effort. I do not know if it’s something specifically about me, but it has been difficult to find folks that are loyal to the bands I have led. I have watched SO many musicians come and go on my projects. What happens when you are writing collaboratively and people leave, then new people arrive? The new people aren’t as “bought in” as their predecessors. Basically, it’s hard to keep everyone on the same page. That can be quite tiresome for all involved parties. So, the thrust this time around is to write, arrange, and perform my own songs. Not because I’m selfish but because it allows me continuity. Regardless of who comes or goes, I can always sing, play my guitar/uke, and foot percussion.

Next, using acoustic instruments enables the solo artist to more easily convey their music, whether it’s guitar, ukulele, mandolin, percussion, piano and so on. Many acoustic instruments are portable which opens up a variety of venues in which you can present your music.
You want me to perform in your living room? Sure!
Come play in the break room for lunch break? Awesome!
Do not get me wrong. In many settings these instrument need to be amplified to reach a larger audience, which is why I state: Acoustic (mostly).

Finally, there is a beautiful metaphor of nakedness for me in the use of acoustic instrumentation. I have spent years hiding behind the loud sounds of a ska band. I've hidden my real voice, my real feelings. Writing acoustic-driven music has forced me to strip away my insecurity and lay myself bare before the audience. Even if I utilize a band now, I am still exposed. I am learning to be comfortable and confident in my talents. More than just that, I am learning to accept myself for who I am and what I have to offer.D.S. al Coda (to be continued…)

photo used with permission from Rachel K So Photography, 2014

This is the first day of the rest of my life...

This is the first day of the rest of my life. Before today I was a musician; I traveled around the country independently playing at churches, youth groups, camps and festivals…basically anywhere that would allow me to bring the likes of ska/punk/alternative into the venue. This was, as most of my musical endeavors have been, essentially useless.

This is the first day of the rest of my life. Before today I was a hopeless dreamer. My mind reeled with ideas of grandeur: stadiums full of fans singing back words and melodies I had written, connecting with life-experience lyrics that expressed my deepest secrets…living the life that many an artist dreams of. This was, as most of my life-dreams have been, essentially useless.

This is the first day of the rest of my life. Before today I watched every intricately laid plan fail, every child-like hope falter and, ultimately, every dream die. In the calm that follows letting go, acceptance comes. And yet, even in this place, I find myself completely dissatisfied; unable to truly accept.

I am unwilling to believe that I am past my musical prime. I do not yield to my common sense, the voice of reason. Perhaps I am led by the movies and songs I grew up with, to believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

“You know I'm a dreamer
But my heart's of gold
I had to run away high
So I wouldn't come home low”

Now I realize this IS the first day of the rest of my life. Today I AM a musician. Today I AM a dreamer. Today I defy what may be true: My musical endeavors, useless; my life-dreams, useless; my musical prime, long gone…

“Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can't tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start”

I refuse to accept that I ought to give up chasing my musical dreams. I am not conceited, but I know that I have much to offer my potential listeners. Does this include you? I truly hope so! I cordially invite you to join me on this journey.

This is the first day of the rest of my life…